Van Dyke’s family said
school officials told her that her hair was a distraction and in violation of
the student handbook.

However, school
officials later retracted their position and said Vanessa was welcome back
after the Thanksgiving break, without cutting or changing her hair.

At a church service
sermon Sunday at Faith Assembly, school board member Carl Jackson addressed the
issue, saying, “"We hope that the student and that we would put this
behind them and continue to excel in the Christian education.”

Van Dyke told CBS affiliate WKMG that the issue was first brought to the attention of school
officials because she was being taunted by other students about her hair. She
now hopes to return to classes without being teased.

"First of all,
(my hair is) puffy, and I like it that way. I know people will tease me about
it because it's not straight. I don't fit in," she said.